U.K. Trip, Part III: Annual Friend’s Group in Edinburgh

I joined Meetin.org back in 2007, shortly after moving to Austin, Texas, looking to make new friends in a city that was still unfamiliar. It quickly became a wonderful way to connect with people both locally and around the world. While Meetin no longer exists in its original form, its spirit lives on through the annual “Meetin Celebration” — where friends from across the globe gather for four days in a different city each year. In 2025, that destination was the vibrant city of Edinburgh.

Hitting the Ground Running…and Stepping

Members from the group organize and host various events in our chosen city, and often there is more than one event happening at the same time. So you pick and choose what interests you most. And I adore unique dining experiences! Even better if it’s in a historic fancy locale. So on the first day I attended a fancy afternoon tea with the group inside The Colonnades at the Signet Library, a neoclassical stunner.

And right around the corner is the Gothic gem, St. Giles Cathedral. A recognizable landmark right on the Royal Mile, distinctive for its 15th-century crown steeple, gorgeous chapels, and elaborate stained glass panels. Plus one of my favorite features, it’s striking gargoyles dating back to the medieval period.

What makes Edinburgh unforgettable is the way its hilly paths, narrow closes, and hidden parks intertwine. Exploring the city means embracing the climb—like the 125 steps at Warriston’s Close—which, fittingly, led me to my tour at The Real Mary King’s Close, where stories of close-dwelling residents and the ravages of the bubonic plague come to life in graphic detail.

Perhaps one of my favorite views was from the top of the steps at The Vennel, where the climb is rewarded with a perfectly framed look at Edinburgh Castle rising above the city.

Meetin “Meet & Greet”

Traditionally, the group gathers on Thursday evening—the first night of our four-day event—at a pub or bar. It’s the one event nearly everyone makes a point to attend, since it’s when the whole group is together.

Royal History at the End of the Royal Mile

Palace of Holyroodhouse, with the haunting ruins of Holyrood Abbey beside it, anchors one end of the Royal Mile, opposite Edinburgh Castle. Having toured the castle on a previous visit, I chose the palace this time—once home to Bonnie Prince Charlie—where grand halls, richly decorated rooms, and walls lined with portraits bring centuries of royal history to life.

A famous cemetery, ancient walls, and one very loyal dog

One of the U.K.’s most famous cemeteries, Greyfriars Kirkyard is steeped in history and legend. Partially enclosed by the 16th-century Flodden Wall, its weathered stones press tightly against one another, adding to the kirkyard’s atmospheric charm. It is the final resting place of Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal little terrier said to have kept vigil at his master’s grave for 14 years.

_{Booping Bobby’s nose / Bobby’s Memorial}

Shopping on Edinburgh’s most colorful street

Victoria Street sits in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, its cobblestones and rainbow-hued shopfronts making it one of the city’s most photographed streets. I browsed the shops at street level and purchased a Christmas ornament, before climbing to the upper terrace for a different vantage point.

Culture, Food, and Scotch

Next came three group events I hosted: a stop at the National Museum of Scotland for a photo (and, of course, exploring), dinner at Scran & Scallie, and the immersive Johnnie Walker Princes Street experience.

I could have lingered for hours in the National Museum of Scotland, a free museum. Its soaring galleries hold everything from Mary, Queen of Scots’ silver casket to the taxidermied Dolly the sheep and the whimsical Millennium Clock Tower. But the highlight for me was seeing the Lewis Chessmen, discovered on the Isle of Lewis in 1831—their intricate carvings and surprisingly comical expressions giving them an unmistakable personality centuries later.

The museum’s rooftop delivers a sweeping panorama of the Edinburgh skyline—framed by Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town, and St Giles’ Cathedral. And the late-afternoon light and blue sky made the view even more photogenic.

Then we headed to Johnnie Walker Princes Street for a tour of the flagship location—an immersive, theatrical experience where an actor takes us through the brand’s history, and culminating in a whisky cocktail tasting.

All that sightseeing worked up an appetite, so we headed to Scran & Scallie for dinner and drinks. I opted for the lobster special, basted with a decadent lemon samphire butter, but the true standout was the sticky toffee pudding topped with caramelized pecans.

Edinburgh Sunday Farewells

We wrapped up our group meet with one more tradition—a farewell brunch at Dishoom Edinburgh, chosen for its flavorful Indian fare, excellent teas, and ability to seat large parties. Though in true group-travel fashion, we ended up split between two large tables in separate rooms.

The Best Souvenir: Shared Memories

Edinburgh is a city of layers—closes tucked between streets, hidden gems, and stories lingering in every stone. But what made this visit unforgettable was experiencing it alongside friends, many whom I’ve known for close to twenty years. From shared meals and pub nights to climbing endless steps together, the memories feel richer because they were shared. As always, where curiosity led, connection followed—and that’s what truly made this trip special.